Enhancing sustainable agriculture and mitigating environmental impacts: Azolla cultivation to treat fattener pig farm effluent wastewater

Somkid Khaengklang

Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand

Sirirat Deeseenthum

Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand

Luchai Butkhup

Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand

Surachai Rattanasuk

Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Roi Et Rajabhat University, Roi Et, Thailand

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14456/apst.2025.53

Keywords: agricultural Azolla microphylla phytoremediation plant treatment wastewater

Abstract

The number of pig farms in Thailand is increasing to meet domestic and worldwide consumer demand as society moves from agricultural to industrial operations. Waste generation, especially wastewater, has increased due to this development, with pig farm owners struggling to meet environmental regulations before wastewater release. Azolla, a floating aquatic fern, is a promising sustainable agricultural resource. This study proposed the growth of high-quality Azolla using a pig fattener farm effluent. Microorganisms at 1% (v/v) were added to wastewater from the 3rd stabilization pond of a fattener pig farm to improve water quality. Compared to the non-treated group, Azolla crops grew faster with doubling time (DT) 5.92 days and relative growth rate (RGR) 10.00 g.day-1. The Azolla contained 9.43% dry matter, 24.30% ash, 16.22% total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), 0.78% fat, 12.62% dietary fiber, 0.14% calcium, 0.26% potassium, and 1.75% phosphorus that were within conventional ranges, suggesting agricultural applications. Azolla cultivation reduced Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), TKN, phosphorus, and potassium contents by 75.45% (498.00 mg/L), 73.44% (940.00 mg/L), 70.74% (20.61 mg/L), 63.11% (179.41 mg/L), and 83.67% (747.27 mg/L), respectively. The findings highlighted the capability of Azolla to effectively improve wastewater quality.

How to Cite

Khaengklang, S., Deeseenthum, S., Butkhup, L., & Rattanasuk, S. (2025). Enhancing sustainable agriculture and mitigating environmental impacts: Azolla cultivation to treat fattener pig farm effluent wastewater. Asia-Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 30(04), APST–30. https://doi.org/10.14456/apst.2025.53

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